Press release

Germany out, Bulgaria still hopes for spot in FIVB World League Finals

Bulgaria is another step closer to the 2013 FIVB World League Finals, after completing a 3-0 win against 2012 World League winners, Poland.

Lausanne, Switzerland, July 12,
2013 – With two swift victories, one country’s hope for the 2013 World League
Finals came to an end, while another’s survives another day. Iran defeated
Germany 3-0 to prevent the team from surpassing Russia for a chance at the
finals, while Bulgaria survived Poland with a 3-0 defeat, prolonging their
hopes until Saturday’s game.

“First of all, congratulations to
the Iran team,” said Germany’s coach Heynen Vital. “In my opinion they
performed their best game. As my captain said, we were not in the game. It was
as if only Iran’s team was in the playing court. Before the match I had
estimated that the match would have 3-0 result, and perhaps we or Iran would
get it. Our team is very young. We lost but we should perform a good game.”

Iran outscored Germany 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-20) at Azadi
sport hall on Friday night. From first point, the match promoted a wild
celebration among local volleyball fans in Iran, thanks to the vigorous
presentations of Iran’s team during their inaugural World League season. The win is Iran’s first straight sets win in the World
League. Iran are the first debutants in the World League with multiple
victories (5) since the Czech Republic in 2003, with 10.

While Iran already does not have a chance at the finals, Germany’s
loss brings a fresh breath to the Russians, who secure their second place spot
in Pool B. Even with a potential comeback win on Saturday, Germany’s cannot
surpass Russia’s points to take them out of their second place position,
allowing Russia to move on to the FIVB World League Finals.

Bulgaria, however, is another step closer to the 2013 FIVB
World League Finals, after completing a fantastic performance against last
year’s World League gold medalists, Poland.The Lions didn’t
waste any time defeating Andrea Anastasi's team, winning a quick three sets 3-0
(25-21, 25-21, 25-21).

“We made a step forward to the Finals,” said Bulgaria’s coach
Camilo Placi. “It was a small step, but the most important is the last step. We
played a good match. I am sorry for Poland and Andrea Anastasi. I was here when
he won last year in Sofia. It was then when he surprised me with a present and
gave me the clipboard he used in the final match. I still keep it and it's a
good memory, but this is life - in sport you either win or lose. I hope we will
play swell tomorrow and win and write a new shiny page in Bulgarian volleyball
history.”

On Saturday, Bulgaria’s will fight for another win to qualify
indisputably for the World League Finals. Poland, on the other hand, is already
out of the finals, and will focus their attention on Eurovolley 2013 after
their last match.

USA is also fighting for a chance in the finals next
week. USA and Brazil face off Saturday and Sunday in Rio de Janeiro. Their
first meeting on Saturday will be featured as the FIVB ‘Match of the Week’.
Fans will be able to watch one of the biggest
rivalries in volleyball, in their first of two Pool A matches on July 13 at
13:00 (GMT). The match will be streamed live free on FIVB Web TV for
the benefit of volleyball fans around the world.

Brazil is already qualified for the finals, being at top of
Pool A, with 19 points. USA has 12 points and will have to fight for the last
spot against Bulgaria’s total points this weekend.

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